Tourism Scholarship Awards

(8/30/2001) 4 deserving tourism scholars from Bali have been awarded a total Rp. 16 million (US$1,900) in financial aid from the Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Chapter for Bali and Nusa Tenggara and SKAL Bali.

17 candidates applied for the awards designated specifically for financially needy Balinese students from the island's more remote areas currently studying at the Sekolah Tinggi Pariwisata Bali (Higher School for Bali Tourism) or the Politeknik Negeri Bali (National Polytechnic School for Bali). Also considered by the selection committee were the applicant's educational experience, aspirations in the tourism industry, and their willingness to contribute to their community.

The winners of the scholarship are:

Ni Made Rimawati - A recent high school graduate from Tabanan who deferred her education to assist her family who have a tailoring business.

Bernoully Paulina - The daughter of two teachers from Singaraja in North Bali who is 3rd in her Travel and Tourism Class at the Politeknik Negeri Bali, where she maintains a grade-point-average of 7.8. Her goals are to work in a travel agency where she can use her multi-lingual skills.

I Nengah Suryawan - The son of a carpenter from Kediri, near Tabanan, he is currently first in his class with a grade-point-average of 7.7 at the Politeknik Negeri Bali. His ambition is to work in the airline industry.

I Gede Putu Anggara Kayobi - Also from Tabanan, he is a first semester tourism student from a farming family. His father is suffering from a prolonged illness and the scholarship will allow Putu to continue his studies, including the pursuit of a keen interest in computer science.

SKAL International is the world's largest international professional tourism organization whose aim is to foster goodwill and understanding among its more than 25,000 members in 530 clubs worldwide. The Bali club has 60 members.

The Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) is the recognized authority on Pacific Asia travel and tourism. PATA provides marketing, research, and educational opportunities to a membership of government tourist offices, airlines, hotels, travel agencies, tour operators and related companies. The Bali Chapter has over 115 members.